Child Development Training Program (CDA)
Child Development Training Program (CDA)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Child Development Training Program is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early learning professionals as they work toward becoming highly qualified teachers of young children. Once students successfully complete the Del Mar College Continuing Education Child Development Training Program, students will have earned the required 120 training hours and completed the required portfolio towards earning their Child Development Associate credential.
Del Mar College offers training for both of the following:
- Infant Toddler, children 0 to 36 months of age
- Preschool, children 3 to 5 years of age
Course specifics
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| CDEC 1017 | Child Development Associate Training I |
| CDEC 2022 | Child Development Associate Training II |
| CDEC 2024 | Child Development Associate Training III |
Admissions Requirement
- Must be 18 years of age
CDA Credential Requirements
Del Mar College's Child Development Training program is here to help prepare students earn a CDA credential. In addition to completing all the CDA classes offered by DMC, students must complete all items below before earning their CDA credential.
- Complete CDA portfolio.
- Complete 480 training hours within three (3) years at a child care facility.
- Submit application to the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program.
Testing information
Students who meet all the CDA credential requirements will submit their application to the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program.
For more information regarding the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, please visit the CDA Council website.
For more information on scholarships for the CDA Credentialing Assessment Fee, please visit the CDA Council's scholarship page.
Current Schedule
Child development Associate Training I
- Course Code: CDEC-1017-15002
- 01/26/26 - 03/06/26
- 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Mondays (HYBRID)
- Center for Economic Development
Child development Associate Training II
- Course Code: CDEC-2022-15105
- 03/16/26 - 04/24/26
- 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Mondays (HYBRID)
- Center for Economic Development
Child development Associate Training III
- Course Code: CDEC-2024-15109
- 04/27/26 - 06/05/26
- 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Mondays (HYBRID)
- Center for Economic Development
Register for Continuing Education courses here
Page last updated December 17, 2025.